We believe SwitchMaster Premium Switch Machines are the finest ever devised. This machine is unsurpassed in quality, reliability, ease of operation and ease of installation.

Made in America

These famous SwitchMaster switch machines are the one and only, original SwitchMasters! Made right here in North America, using time proven Hankscraft Series 3440 DC Gearhead motors. Accept no imitations!

Hidden Beauty

The beauty of this switch machine is hidden in it simple design. Inside the simple cylinder are precision gears which deliver strong torque and quiet operation, all engineered for a long trouble-free life.

Did you hear that?

Neither did we, SwitchMasters are so quite you'll actually be able to hear your sound equipped locomotives. No loud "snap", "buzzing" or annoying cranking noise.

Simplicity is the key to this machine whether mounting it or wiring it. Installation does not require precise adjustments, so one trip under the layout is all you need.

Constant current to the switch machine offers a number of important advantages. The switch machine firmly presses the point rails against the outside rails for positive contact. Operationally, you eliminate the chance a point rail will open and cause a derailment. Electrically, it provides a tight contact with the electrically powered outside rail, eliminating the need for jumpers and contact switches to power the point rail in most installations. If you do need to power route your frog, it's not a problem, as an optional micro-switch (our #1101, PR-1) is available. If you are running large O-scale trains it is recommended that you use the PR-1 to operate a power relay.

The other important advantage is that constant current to the motor allows you to wire your control panel indicator lights and block signals from the same current powering your switch machine! No more separate power sources to power each element, no more auxiliary contact switches, and no more complicated wiring schemes!

The Pertect Upgrade Switch Machine

Because this switch machine is so easy to install, it is the perfect choice when upgrading your layout. The linkage (included) requires only a 1/16" hole- which can be drilled with your turnout in place. Or it can be completely hidden away underneath before installation.

DCC Friendly Too

Of course you can use these machines with Digital Command Control systems as long as your turnouts are compatible. You can even use DCC to control the turnouts.

It really is easy to install a SwitchMaster, just drill a couple holes, install the linkage, two screws and some simple wiring. Don't make it more complicated than it is! No fine adjustment is required.

Versatile Installation Operations

SwitchMaster motors have the strength and length of throw to turn bell cranks, push-pull rods, cables or just about any contraption you might come up with. While the standard installation is vertical consider mounting them horizontally on a simple angle bracket with direct linkage to save space, or through push rods, cranks or cables if there is no space available. The crank tube and wire can be extended through any thickness of roadbed (2" foam for instance). They are extremely versatile.

Power Tricks

SwitchMaster motors actually operate on just 3 volt DC. A 1200 ohm resistor is included for 12 volt operation. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust this resistor to fit your particular power supply or use a "Kick Switch" to give it an extra nudge and prolong its lifespan.

Auxiliary Contacts

If your turnout requires auxiliary electrical contacts for frog power or power routing they have a simple solution for that too. The PR-1 micro-switch can be conveniently mounted on the motor or benchwork to provide a SPDT circuit rated at 3 amps, not the fraction of they're competitors. Stack for additional contacts. Or use just one to toggle a power relay switch.

Appropriate wiring schematics and instructions are included with each SwitchMaster switch machine and accessory.

Screwed Again?

The mounting holes do take an odd size #5 by 1-1/2" screw which are often difficult to find locally. Sorry, they did not have any say in this. That's the way they are. Each SwitchMaster switch machine or kit includes a pair of the correct size screws. Replacements are also available separatly in part #1113 RM-2 Mounting Hardware, and/or part #1113-S RMS-12 for a dozen or RMS-100 for 100.

Almost Perfect

It is commonly reported that SwitchMasters will last for years, in some cases decades. But like all electro-mechanical devices they have their limits. If too much power is applied (don't operate them without the resistors!) the inner gears can break or strip. And it has been reported that they may jam-up if left for long periods without operation. In that case, if you know you will not be operating your layout for an extended period, you might save yourself some grief by turning off the power and manually pushing your frogs, linkage and motor into the center neutral position.

Hankscraft guarantees the motors to be free of defects for one year from the date of manufacture. Each motor is stamped with the date top left on the face. "210" would be February of 2010.

Sometimes, depending upon your wiring, scale, and power supply, a value other than the 1200 ohm resistor supplied with your SwitchMaster is required.

They now offer a full range of such resistors, as well as an adjustable potentiometer to fine-tune you installation.

Use Part #1121 which has one of each value to determine which value is best for you. Then purchase 10-packs as needed.

Part #1121 / RS-X10 - Test assortment of Resistors for Motor (10)One each of below resistors to test for right value for SwitchMaster switch machine motors.

Part #1140 / KS-1 Kick Switch for MotorDouble up on the resistor to gently hold the motor in position and increase lifespan, press Kick Switch (momentary on) to apply moving voltage to motor while toggle is thrown.